-
Cover Image
Cover Image
Close ModalOn the cover
Wang et al. reveal that the netrin receptor UNC-40 undergoes cycles of clustering and dispersal around the cortex of the C. elegans anchor cell until netrin stabilizes clusters that are oriented in the correct direction to initiate cell invasion. In the absence of netrin, clusters of UNC-40 temporarily assemble in random regions of the cell membrane, where they recruit effector proteins to generate F-actin. F-actin accumulation is displayed as a “heat map” at different time points.
Image © 2014 Wang et al.
See page 619. - PDF Icon PDF LinkTable of Contents
- PDF Icon PDF LinkEditorial Board
In This Issue
In Focus
Netrin puts an end to the anchor cell’s vacillations
The guidance cue orients cell invasion by stabilizing the oscillations of its receptor UNC-40.
People & Ideas
Review
Report
Sequential and ordered assembly of a large DNA repair complex on undamaged chromatin
The nucleotide excision repair preincision complex assembles on chromatin even in the absence of DNA damage through the sequential and ordered addition of its individual subunits.
Cis-acting DNA sequence at a replication origin promotes repeat expansion to fragile X full mutation
An SNP upstream of the CGG repeats located at a replication initiation site may contribute to origin inactivation, to altered replication fork progression through the CGG repeats, and repeat expansion to fragile X full mutation.
Sphingomyelin homeostasis is required to form functional enzymatic domains at the trans-Golgi network
Sphingomyelin-mediated organization of resident transmembrane proteins into specific membrane domains at the trans-Golgi network is necessary for normal enzymatic activity.
Article
UNC-6 (netrin) stabilizes oscillatory clustering of the UNC-40 (DCC) receptor to orient polarity
Stabilization of oscillatory UNC-40 clustering by its ligand UNC-6 directs localized F-actin generation and polarization of cells.
Cofilin recruits F-actin to SPCA1 and promotes Ca2+-mediated secretory cargo sorting
The cofilin CFL-1 recruits actin to the P-type calcium ATPase SPCA1 at the trans-Golgi network, thereby activating the ATPase, promoting Ca2+ influx, and driving secretory cargo sorting.
Mitophagy of damaged mitochondria occurs locally in distal neuronal axons and requires PINK1 and Parkin
The Parkinson’s disease–associated proteins PINK1 and Parkin mediate local mitophagy of dysfunctional mitochondria in distal neuronal axons, abrogating the need for retrograde organelle transport and ensuring rapid neuroprotection.
BMP-regulated exosomes from Drosophila male reproductive glands reprogram female behavior
Male Drosophila reproductive glands secrete exosomes in a BMP-dependent manner that fuse with sperm after mating and suppress female remating.
